Blinken Speaks With Venezuela’s Guaido

A source told Reuters that Biden is in 'no rush' to lift crushing sanctions on Venezuela that have had a devastating impact on the civilian population

Continuing the Trump administration’s failed regime-change policy, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Juan Guaido on Tuesday, who the US recognizes as the “interim president” of Venezuela even though Nicolas Maduro holds the position.

According to a statement from the State Department, Blinken told Guaido that the US is working with “like-minded” allies to “press for a peaceful, democratic transition” in Venezuela.

Guaido was never a viable option to replace Maduro, and after a failed coup attempt and his repeated calls for US intervention, Guaido lost what little support he had in Venezuela.

Even those in favor of regime change are starting to recognize Guaido has little chance of taking power in Caracas. After Guaido lost his seat in Venezuela’s National Assembly, the EU rescinded its recognition of him as interim president.

The Trump administration first recognized Guaido as president in January 2019. The recognition came along with crippling economic sanctions that have had a devastating impact on Venezuela’s civilian population, which are still in place. A White House official speaking on the condition of anonymity told Reuters that the Biden administration is in “no rush” to lift sanctions on Venezuela.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.